Fairview Park

Fairview Park was founded in the 1940s by regional African-American church groups as an alternative to the local amusement parks that excluded them. At one point, the park had a roller coaster, a merry-go-round, a skating rink, a swimming pool, softball fields, swings, see-saws, a sandbox, a petting zoo and hot-air balloon rides. As racial segregation became less prevalent, the park lost much of its appeal for the African-American community. Approximately 52 acres of the original park is still maintained by the Fairview Park Association.

Condition/Architectural Notes

Poor. Site has fallen out of use and is deteriorating. Parts of the property had to be sold to pay taxes before non-profit status was obtained. Some attempts at revitalization are being made.